Happy Friday the 13 everyone.
me Beastin out my quiet time with Jesus while eating a bowl of Special K cereal then it was off to the gym to BEAST out my upper body workout as well as my abs. After the workout it was back to the apartment where I emailed my resume to a job opening with Target in their operations management dept. Once my roomate got home we went to Gecko burger to watch the Mavericks game. We ran into a friend there and had some good catch up and spiritual conversation. It was good for my roommate and I to catch up. After eating my grilled chicken salad that I prepared, I then went to the gym for my cardio workout. THere I connected with an older man that I have been reaching out to and we talked about our job situations. Then it was to the house where I had a hard time going to sleep

Hey Guys today was lets just say super humbling. After not being able to sleep very well at my grandma’s last night I woke up super tired this morning around 9:30am. (did’nt get to sleep til around 2:30am – Anxiety I think and the fact I had to sleep in the recliner) I got up and cleaned up then it was off to Downtown bastrop to get some lunch before my meeting with the prosecutor. I of course stopped at Whataburger where I notice a piece of paper on the drive through window where apparently whenever a Whataburger employee has a birthday they invite you (the customer) to give them a dollar under no obligation. I so wanted too but I didn’t have a dollar bill on me. I took my lunch and drove right over to the courthouse to eat it and read my bible in the parking lot. I felt so much more at peace today than I have the last 3 days. After reading part of Proverbs and contemplating on Prov 11:8 “The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.” Daily Scripture. I definitely need rescuing today. As I sat in my car I noticed 3 women outside the courthouse smoking away and I thought to myself is one of them the judge or prosecutor that I will be seeing today. Finally I walked into the courtroom and sat up front as I was the only one there, an I waited. My scheduled time was 1:00pm and I waited and waited. The clerk came in and turned of all things “soap operas” on so as you probably guessed half of my time in there was trying to avoid looking at the godless stuff on the TV. Then a woman walks in dressed very professional and sits across the isle from me. She says I’ve never gotten to watch Soaps before in court. Now at this moment I have been staring at the judges seat for 20 minutes now and it is intimidating so I felt very uncomfortable. Seeing as though this woman seemed very at ease, I asked her if she was a lawyer and she said yes. The clerk came in and called her first so I sat even longer. eventually the clerk called me and I went and met with the prosecutor and explained my situation. The prosecutor told me that I should have gotten a lawyer when I first got my ticket 2 years ago. She said I never should have paid it, b/’c then the state tacks you with a surcharge and these surcharges are a huge trap. It was very humbling to see how ignorant I was in these matters. She gave me an extension so I could get a lawyer and get all this taken care of. She gave me some good news in the sense that i can now get a occupational drivers license.

Leaving humbled and grateful I went to the coffee shop to fill out my background check survey for the job I interviewed for yesterday. I was able to tell them that my License may come up in the background check. ( I think this is why I wasn’t hired at the Art Institute of Austin) I then got on the road for Dallas around 3 and I had to get back in a hurry b/c I had planned on cooking dinner for a bunch of disciples from the UT-Arlington campus ministry that night.I got some great prayer time on the way back and contemplated a lot. God does rescue the Godly from trouble and all I have now is hope that he is going to rescue me and allow me to land this job in Dallas. Please pray for me in that. Once I got back to Dallas I was able to treat the UTA ministry as well as the great Mary Snow (pray for her husbands mom whom is in bad health) to some steak and eggs/ chicken Alfredo/ Hawaiian Wheat rolls, We had a great time catching up.

Hello everyone hope all is well in the New Year for you.
I woke up so refreshed today as I literally slept for 10 hours straight. (Thank God) Sleeping has been rough over the last 12 months, I woke up this morning knowing that I had a huge 2nd interview at the Art Institute of Dallas at 3:30pm today so I got up and decided to eat and get in the Word of God! As you know I am going through Proverbs and today was a good one. As I was cooking my steak and eggs this morning I anticipated the good ole feeling of having a quiet time while eating my steak and eggs at my dining room table. At last the food was done and I was able to take my seat at the table, turn the page on my Bible that I keep on my dining room table and get to reading. As the word was cutting me up left and right I came across a scripture that made me feel like I had at least a little wisdom. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 Scripture of the Day! I feel like this is what my life is about and this is what I try to do on a daily basis, so I felt good about that. However I was and have been challenged every day in my heart by proverbs. Today in particular it was Prov 11:20-21 “The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.” and this just cut me up because deep down inside I know my heart is wretched and I want to delight in righteousness. I was humbled by the fact that I was reminded that sin has consequences, The wicked will not go free! I really have been challenged lately on my character. I think I have allowed discouragement and apathy to set in and I haven’t been on top of things at my house like I should, I haven’t been on top of pushing bible studies like I should ( I’ve been setting them up but not with the urgency I need to) I have been living out of my car (at least it looked that way til last week when I got it organized) and I just have been caught up in my own issues (financial, job, bitterness) and not in the lives of the people God has put in my life to help. I asked myself the question: How am I gonna respond, am I gonna continue to get down like I have been or am I gonna MAN UP and kick the snot out of Satan and Life and stop letting Satan and life kick me like a wounded dog!

It was then off to the gym where I hit my advanced bicycle cardio workout for 20 minutes and let me tell you, that bicycle machine we have in our gym is insane. My legs were screaming and I had to keep going another ten minutes. The only thing that I could think of to keep me going was that Jesus didn’t quit when he was being crucified. After my 20 minutes were up I jumped the fence into the closed pool area so I could go look over my favorite spot to pray at. There I spent some time in prayer and went back to get ready for my interview.

This time when I went to interview it was the interviewer who was late as I waited 15 minutes past the scheduled time of our interview. The President came in and we had a brief laugh about me being late yesterday and him being late today. We went into his office and he asked me what motivates me to hit my numbers, i shared money and he shared that the pay is the same here whether I do well or not so what motivates me, I said the opportunity for advancement. He did a role playing interview with me and I think I did ok. At the end we found out that we had a little in common as I was on the WSU track team in college and he played college football. He asked if I had any questions for him and I shared that I did have a few traffic convictions on my background check (as I was worried that those convictions may be whats been keeping me from getting hired) he responded by saying as long as I declared them on my application (which I did) that it wouldn’t be a problem. He told me I would be getting and online survey and background check request in my email and to fill it out and I will know shortly. I’m thinking please Jesus help me and keep the prayers coming because I am down to my last $150 and I have to drive to Bastrop tonight so I can make my court appearence in the mornin. It was off to the Chiropractor and then off to Bastrop as I barely escaped rush hour traffic to get out of Dallas. You know I actually am enjoying all these trips to Austin. Six hours of me and God each way. Adam called as I was driving down and we had an intense talk in which some deep seeded hurts of mine came out and my attitude towards them came to the forfront so much to the point that Adam told me I was way out touch on one of them. I knew he was right and am glad he called so we could hash it out like men. Adam’s a studd! Iron sharpening Iron, gotta love it! Once I got to my Grandma’s in Bastrop I opened the door saw my bro in law watching T.V. and was amazed at how cclean the place looked. I went into my grandma’s room and was greated by an amazingly cheerful grandmother who told me that she thought that was me in the living room and that she is feeling fine and has no back pain (chiropractic care and prayer) and she was super joyful. Also to my surprise, Princess our cat was still hanging on. ( I think she will make it a little longer than the 7-10 days the vet gave her but I would be surprised if she makes it another month. It was grat seeing her in a little more lively state. Of course my niece and nephew came runing out of their room and bombarded me. It was off to bed as I reclined in my Grandma’s recliner and finally clocked out at 2am.
Peace Out

Ok so if you read this before I post day #9 don’t worry it is coming!
Today was crazy, I woke up and dove back into Proverbs (I am really trying to dissect it and gain wisdom this year) while sitting at the kitchen table. After I read I spent some time praying especially for the email from the Art Institue of Austin that I was about to open up. I opened the email and this is what it said: “Dear Jeremy:
Thank you for taking the time to interview with us. Upon further review and consideration, we have decided not to move forward with you as a candidate for the Admissions Representative opening.
We wish you the best in your job search and continued success in your career.” Stunned and a little discouraged I began to get ready for my 11:30 AM interview at the Dallas Art Institute. I was in a hurry and as I waas getting ready I ironed a shirt that I didn’t have a tie for so I had to iron another shirt. My friend and Dessert Cities Church of Christ leader Danny Saltz called me and we prayed then it was off to the races to get to my interview. I had to stop by Office Depot to get a copy made of my resume and I was cutting it so close when it came to being on time. I broke a traffic law to get there so now I am telling myself you idiot what are you doing, God blessed those who obey not those who disobey. I got there with 5 minutes to spare only to be told they had to reschedule for tomorrow at 3:30pm because the interview was at “11 AM” yep I had the wrong time in my head and was late. It was by the grace of God that they rescheduled. As I was leaving the lady says: you know he is gonna ask you why you are late right, and I was like what, I thought it was at 11:30, she said nope it was at 11am. When I got home I looked and sure enough I had wrote down 11am. Humble pie! I sat at my kitchen wondering what to do now and I began to get discouraged then frustrated then the battle began in my mind of “trust in God .v. WORRY.” One of the disciples on FB discipled me for worrying so I decided not to worry but I could feel the throws of depression or self loathing coming on. I FB and watched a movie before finally working out as today was a two-a-day. I went into the gym super down and did not shine for God, but focused on myself. Finally I spoke to someone in there an struck up a conversation. I went back home and had an intense D-Time (term I use for receiving mentoring or spiritual life coaching from a brother or sister in the Lord) over the phone in which Adam Smith challenged me about holding on to things and encouraged me about my situation. Man I feel the need to just MAN UP!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway please pray for my job interview tomorrow at 3:30 pm Central Time Zone!

This morning as I sat at the kitchen table looking out the 3rd story window of my apartment that my roomate so graciously allows me to stay at, at a reduced rent I couldn’t help but think about how unwise I really am. Reading proverbs can convict you on your stupidity or lack of wisdom at times. It was hard for me to focus because I was tick’d off about a situation that arose where I was challenged and didn’t like it. Since I hadn’t had the “sit down” to get resolved through this situation where I am feeling super wronged (but I am sure that I also have the pride monster flaring up) my inner anger is boiling up but the inner spirit is saying don’t get prideful and I am just now mad and frustrated. Gues what scripture I just read as all this is going on in my mind. “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13 Daily Scripture! I am very angry this morning, and I am feeling like people are talking behind my back (this may be true it may not be true) and I even had the thought this morning of I don’t want to see these people at church today if this is how they are. I am also running late so I am mad frustrated and late so now I am more frustrated. I decide to call a few people this morning for a last minute church invite, non of them respond.

Church
I am super late today (had a little hiccup this morning getting ready) and as I get there I see that the Convention Center where we are having our congregational is having a Bridal show and they are charging for parking. I start to wonder if I am in the right place for service. As I come up to the parking attendant she ask if I am here for the bridal show and for some reason (pride) I panic and out of fear of saying church and her telling me there is no church meeting here today, I sin and tell her that I am here to meet someone who goes to my church. She says the DFW Church, I say yes and she says oh ok you don’t have to pay just go in and park. I drive on in rebuking myself for being: foolish, coward, and deceitful. I walk into church with so much on my heart and as I walk in there are bridal show women everywhere on the first floor. As I walk toward the elevator I see this woman walking my way who from a distance at first glance is very attractive, I immediately tell myself don’t look, don’t look as she gets closer and closer, I tell myself there is no way I am gonna take a second look at her and I keep my eyes looking straight ahead. As she passes me I here a voice say “hey Jeremy” and as I look I realize that that girl is a disciple from another region. VICTORY! I am super late and I walk into the kids kingdom sure that I had missed the message (so I figured I would hang out til the end of annoucements. As Marty Chavez and I are talking P90X one of the brothers comes in and says that they are about to begin the lesson. I rush upstairs but before I go in I see one of the disciples that I need to get resolved with. I pull him aside and we have a good ole fashion talk! It went very well, that disciple was very humble and I really appreciated thier heart to listen. I went into service where I got to here Marty Fuquay “Light It Up” about being chosen by God. You can listen to his sermon at http://www.dfwchurch.net and click resources then sermons. The main points I got from the lesson were
1. I need to have a continual conversion after being around 13 years
2. I am still forgiven
3. The church isn’t perfect and I have to be patient
4. The Christian life is a full triathalon not a half marathon.
5. Walking it is better than quitting it
6. Crawling it is better than quitting it
7. I need to HOLD ON through this tough time!

Lunch
Lunch was great, our singles went to Champps reataurant and had a great time. I was able to get some more resolve about some issues. I caught up with one of the guys we are studying with. I went home and worked out HARD. Watched the Broncos beat the Steelers in the wildcard game.

Time with the Taylors

That night I went over to Shedrick and Jessica Taylors and hung out with them. We had some great conversation about training up “House Church Leaders” and sending them to these small towns with one other couple and having them plant the churches their. We also talked about how I believe that the best way to grow the bigger churches is to break them up (in some cases) and send half the church out on mission teams. I will explain more on this in my church planting blog that I will post tomorrow so hold your judgement until you read it.
Good night!

21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer[b] stepping into a noose[c]23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.

24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say.25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.27 Her house is a highway to the grave,[d]
leading down to the chambers of death.

I worked out in the Lodge (17 min on the bike) but I was super soar from my 2-a-days workout the day before. Watched the FCS National championship (Sam Houston State v North Dakota State) on the big screen and realized they were playing at Pizza Hut Park (5 miles north of me) so I called my fried Shedrick that works there to try to score free tickets, he didn’t answer. ND State won. I came home and wrote my blog. I then got ready for the Dallas House Church Leaders Workshop. (To be honest, I didn’t really want to go but let’s just keep that a secret between us) I got there and enjoyed the good food. Our Evangelist got up and said: “I want to start of with some good news about the church, last year we grew by 5% which for a church of 1000 is pretty good” He shared the great news about the UNT campus growing by 50% and that we hired several interns. Then Marty Fuquay got up to preach the word and he did.

He challenged us not to be one trick ponies as leaders

He challenged us to set an example (he said we don’t even have to be good at the example we just need to set one, most pro-athletes are better than their coach but they still have a coach)

Encouraged us to self evaluate ourselves.

I will share more in tomorrows blog but I am going to sleep now. Good night

Today got off to a slow start. I think all this traveling is leaving me jet-lagged. I definitely felt Satan’s pull in my heart, anxiety, stress, job situation. I noticed that my left eye has been twitching. Decided to get back into Proverbs and finish the chapter I started reading yesterday morning before my supposed court date. I posted a scripture to my facebook that spoke to where I felt my drifting. (Just a side note, most the scriptures I post on facebook are directed at me to help me with something I am struggling with or going through if it convicts you too, AMEN). ” How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:9-11 Daily Scripture. I really didn’t want to get up this morning.
Get It Going
After getting my morning workout in I met a guy at the gym (late 20’s or early 30’s) who lives in our complex with his wife and kid. We spoke for a minute then I left. Once I got back to my apartment I realized I just missed a perfect opportunity to reach out. I ran downstairs to invite him to next weeks bibletalk but he was gone already. It was on to the computer to make emails, and follow up on my interviews in Austin as it has been nearly 2 weeks since I have heard back after my 3rd interview. I spent some time in prayer over my job situation and asked my cousin to pray for me. I still did not here back from Austin but I did get a call back from the Dallas office requesting a second interview! I then called my grandmother to see how she was doing, she said the cat is still alive and that she will keep praying about my job situation. I must admit that I am having a little problem being faithful about it but 1 Peter 5:7 tells me not to be anxious about anything. I began my evening workout as I am doing two-a-days 3 times a week over the first month of the year, I want to be physically and spiritually prepared for great things this year. It was then off to Gecko Burger (sports bar in our apartment community) to watch the Cotton Bowl Classic! As I walked in a strange thing happened. I was walking to the bathroom and some blonde girl (who was there with a guy) grabbed my shirt and said I like that shirt (a $7 tee shirt I bought at Walmart) I said thank you and quickly walked to my table (uncomfortable and unexpected) where i ordered my chicken salad and watched the rest of the game while sippin on my lemonade!
That was my day!
God is definitely teaching me patience, surrender, TRUST!